“Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we behave while we’re waiting.”Joyce Meyer

Today I got out the gear and went photo hunting. I find that all my worldly worries and problems disappear when I watch and photograph animals and birds. All critters big and small! Today was no exception. The Great Blue Heron is a very, very patient hunter. Many professional photographers tease about about how easy the Heron is to photograph because they are so prevalent. I find that they are not easy to capture in pixels. In most cases when approaching the Heron they will fly off. I sat for at least an hour waiting for a Heron to come out of hiding. He was behind a large area of reeds. While waiting I took the big lens off and photographed a frog just down the slope from me. There were frogs everywhere. They must be like rabbits. Multiplying like crazy!

Have you ever thought about what life would be like if you were a Blue Heron? Eat, preen and sleep. The objectives of the day. Not sure if they really worry about predators? Lately I wish I could be a subject (bird or animal) without stress, worries and drama! Anymore life is so much about instant gratification. The phones we carry never let us take a break from life. We get messages, texts and calls all times of the night and day. It’s crazy!!!!! Herons are lucky the don’t carry iPhones. Pretty much have no worries. Maybe they are incapable of worrying. A beautiful bird the Blue Heron is…..

They don’t pay taxes, don’t have alarm clocks, and surely don’t have the internet. Pretty lucky birds those Heron’s! The are masters of catching fish……..

Today I put my D4s to my eye again at FBWR. There are so many daily observers the wild critters are few and far between.

This Blue Heron was waiting for me though, so I may capture it mid day. But to me the real subject is the Goose in the background. It’s like he is saying what I think every time I see a Blue Heron take off – “WOW”

This guy was pretty fast. Especially considering that the water was rushing by. Caught by the tail!!

The idea is to get the whole fish in his mouth and swallow whole. On several attempts he would drop then re-grab the fish.

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Eventually he got the fish in his mouth. Holy Cow! There was no way for this hungry Bittern to swallow this fish. His eyes were much bigger than his mouth. Maybe he thought he was part pelican! It was hilarious! He just sat there with the fish in his mouth. Maybe two or three minutes. I was laughing out load. I know he was hungry but really? Then he tried to adjust a little to get that oversized square peg in that tiny round hole. And dropped the fish. Guess who got away?

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A little embarrassed but undaunted he flew to another spot on the river. My time with this Bittern was fun. He did catch and ingest several fish. He didn’t stay long. He had a long trip ahead. Probably somewhere in Canada. Thanks for stopping by and letting me capture you. Another great photographic experience!

As of late it seems that some birds have it pretty good. As long as man could look up he wanted to fly. I wish I could fly. Not by jumping out of a perfectly good plane! Or a backwards leap off a bridge or cliff. I’m talking about wings spread and gliding. The only sound is the wind over my wings. Looking down at the Gods other creations.

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I don’t want to sound like I don’t appreciate all my blessings. I really do. In my youth I would dream that I could fly. My dreams for the most part are in full color and seem real. Upon waking from a dream where I was flying I would try to go back to sleep. Back to “that” world”.

Many birds are absolutely beautiful.

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And some just are elegant beyond belief.

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As with all species there is family, pairs, companions, and just buddies.

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If all my beliefs, and teachings fail me when I die and there is reincarnation… I want to be a bird!!!!

I just can’t help myself. They are a blast to watch. Even more fun to attempt and capture in flight. The Harrier is beautiful when it’s wings and feathers are all spread out in flight. This last week I was blessed to find an amiable suitor to let me follow……

Hunting from the same post she would take off one direction……..

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More than not she missed the kill. She would then fly back to the post. Watch for prey. Then take off the other direction……

The last while it’s been real cold. This past week we have had our annual fog and “yuk”! The mornings frost is in the valley. With my Nikon Df on the passenger seat I’m always ready to pull over and capture some winter Black and White!